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Four New Cases of Human Infection with H7N9 Virus are Reported to WHO

January 17, 2014

On Jan. 15, 2014, the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of four additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus.

Details of the cases are as follows:

- A 35-year-old man from Shanghai who became ill on Jan. 1 and was admitted to the hospital on Jan. 12. He is currently in critical condition. The patient has a history of exposure to poultry.

- A 41-year-old man from Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, who became ill on Jan. 5 and was admitted to the hospital on Jan. 9 and then transferred to another hospital on Jan. 12. He is currently in critical condition.

- A 48-year-old man from Foshan City, Guandong Province, who became ill on Jan. 2 and was admitted to the hospital on Jan. 12. He is currently in critical condition.

- A 55-year-old man from Dongguan City, Guandong Province, who became ill on Jan. 1 and was admitted to the hospital on Jan. 9. He is currently in critical condition. The patient has a history of exposure to poultry.

The source of infection is still under investigation. So far, there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.

The Chinese government continues to take the following measures: strengthen surveillance and situation analysis; reinforce case management and treatment; conduct risk communication with the public and release information; strengthen international collaboration and communication; and conduct scientific studies.

WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event, nor does it currently recommend any travel or trade restrictions.